Anna Guns Yerashunas: An Appreciation

Anna Guns Yerashunas will be remembered for her lifetime devotion to the church as a Eucharistic minister visiting the sick.

Anna passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, at her home in Pennsylvania, USA, surrounded by her children.

Originally from Derry, Anna was born February 13, 1931, the beloved daughter of Adrian and Hannah (née Murray) Guns.
She grew up in the close-knit community of Derry and attended St. Eugene's School before continuing her studies in business at Thornhill College.

Anna was formerly of the Lone Moor Road, Derry and emigrated shortly after her marriage to Joseph (Pat) Yerashunas, a US Navy Senior Chief stationed in Derry in the early 1950’s and living out her life in the USA.

Anna will be dearly missed by her sons, Adrian (Cathy) Guns, of Northern Ireland; Eugene Yerashunas, of Pringle; and Kevin (Kirsten) Guns, of Berwyn; and daughters, Erin Donahue, of Mendham, N.J., and Alanah (Joseph) Lapinski, of Kingston. She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Bryan (Christine) Splendido, Neil (Michelle) Splendido, Ethan (Hannah) Lapinski, Catherine Guns, Claire (Eamon) Deery and Emily Larson-Guns; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Marlee, Luca, Sophie Rose, Dylan and Molly; brother-in-law, Leo (Elaine) Yerashunas; and sister-in-law, Judy Paternoster.

Speaking to The Derry News, Anna’s daughter in law, Cathy Deeney-Guns, said Anna would be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Anna and her husband  Joseph (Pat) Yerashunas, on their wedding day.

“Her life was one of devotion to the church as a Eucharistic minister visiting the sick, honing her craft over the years as a gifted fashion buyer and store manager for several prominent local retailers, and enjoying her hobby as a gifted needlepoint worker - creating cushions, quilts and pictures,” said Cathy, who added, Anna also found “joy and contentment in visiting her homeland often for a cup of hot Irish tea with scones”.

“As a young woman, Anna worked as a clerk at Woolworths, where she discovered her love of retail and working with customers. On weekends, she joined her sister Lucy and friends at the Corinthian dance hall in Derry. It was there that a young Navy Seabee, Joseph ‘Pat’ Yerashunas, first caught her eye — and soon her heart — with his remarkable dancing. Their love grew into a 59-year marriage, rich with devotion, laughter, faith and the joy of family.

“Anna and Pat began married life in Ireland and then moved to Providence, R.I., finally settling in Kingston, PA, where they raised their five children, and later delighted in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A devoted and energetic mother,

Anna was a constant presence in her children's lives — cheering at sporting events, attending dance performances, organizing events and volunteering with the Girl Scouts.

“Her Catholic faith was central to her life. She was a longtime member of St. Mary's Annunciation Church, now St. Ignatius Church. She taught CCD for decades, took part in the Ladies Auxiliary, helped with bingo and served faithfully as a Eucharistic Minister.

“Anna had a lifelong passion for retail, bringing warmth and style to every role. She especially cherished her work at the Fashion Youth Center and Giggles, where she served as both salesperson and buyer, traveling to New York City to preview the latest fashions. She also enjoyed helping customers find just the right item at Steve Hydock Diamonds, Bartikowsky's Jewelers and Pillow Talk.

“Anna filled her days with love for family, friends and home. She treasured trips to Ireland, always bringing gifts for everyone and returning with bags full of tea, cookies and sweaters. A gifted needleworker, she created cushions, quilts and pictures. She also found joy in her garden and comfort in a very hot cup of Irish tea with biscuits,” said Cathy.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Adrian Guns (Lt.jg. USMM, Ret.) and Hannah (Murray), husband Joe (Pat), a grandson Joey Lapinski and her only sibling, Lucy Boyle, formerly of Oakfield Rd, Derry.

Her Requiem Mass took place on Tuesday, September 2, at St Ignatius RC Church, Kingston, PA. USA, followed by internment with her husband at St. Mary’s Annunciation Cemetery, Pringle, PA.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Anna's caregivers — Rosie, Luanne and Marissa — whose kindness and devotion were a true blessing. They also wish to thank the Allied Services — Palliative/Hospice Care team for their compassionate care and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Church or a charity of the donor's choice.